The much-anticipated “East Tech 2024,” a major defence technology symposium, commenced today at the Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan in Kolkata, highlighting advanced technologies aimed at meeting operational needs in India’s Eastern Theatre and supporting the Indian Army’s modernization goals. The event was inaugurated by Shri Aroop Biswas, Hon’ble Minister for Sports & Youth Affairs, Power & Non-Conventional Energy, and Housing, Government of West Bengal, along with Lt Gen Ram Chander Tiwari, UYSM, AVSM, SM, GOC-in-C, Eastern Command.
Organized by the Eastern Command of the Indian Army in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) and the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), East Tech 2024 brings together defence technology leaders, including Military, Para-Military, and Civil administration representatives, to showcase advancements across a range of key areas. The event highlights innovations in Communications, Tactical Mobility, Protection & Sustenance, Survivability, AI, Drone and Counter-Drone Technologies, Robotics, and Firepower solutions.
Advancing Indigenous Defence Technology
In a recorded video message, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM, ADC, underscored the importance of advancing indigenous defence technology to align with the operational requirements of the Indian Army under the Atma Nirbhar Bharat mission. He highlighted East Tech 2024 as a key platform to further self-reliance in the defence sector, facilitating the adoption of homegrown technological solutions for strategic preparedness.
In his keynote address, the Army Commander noted the Eastern Command’s critical role as the largest operational command in the Indian Army, dealing with diverse challenges such as conventional warfare, counter-terrorism, cyber threats, and grey-zone warfare. He emphasized the need for continuous modernization to enhance the command’s operational readiness and highlighted East Tech 2024’s role in supporting this effort through indigenous technology integration.
MSMEs: A Backbone of Defence Manufacturing
Shri Ravinder Singh Bhatia, President of the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), emphasized the importance of East Tech 2024 in mobilizing Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) from the Eastern Region, particularly in West Bengal, which ranks second nationally in MSME numbers. According to Mr. Bhatia, the event provides MSMEs with a vital platform to contribute to defence production, fostering innovation and enabling them to make a meaningful impact on the country’s defence capabilities.
Hon’ble Minister Aroop Biswas further highlighted West Bengal’s pivotal role in India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem, citing the state’s large MSME base as a foundation for driving innovation and supporting the Indian Army’s operational needs.
A Showcase of Cutting-Edge Technology
With an overwhelming response from Indian Defence Manufacturers, more than 150 representatives from across India, including numerous MSMEs, are participating in the event to showcase their latest advancements in weaponry and equipment technology. This large turnout signals a strong commitment to advancing self-reliance in defence through innovative technology.
During the event, the Hon’ble Minister and the Army Commander toured the exhibition, engaging with defence manufacturers and inspecting the state-of-the-art products on display. In appreciation of their efforts and contributions, the Army Commander presented mementos to representatives from CII, SIDM, and other industry partners.
East Tech 2024 is expected to pave the way for a new era of self-reliance in defence technology, aligning with India’s broader vision of indigenous capability development and defence sector modernization. The event continues to serve as a catalyst for collaboration, innovation, and growth in India’s defence manufacturing landscape.(PR)